Elka Kazmierczak
Champaign, IL

I Wish She Was Dead

$70

To purchase contact Laura at 23 Sandy

Artist Statement

I Wish She Was Dead is an artist’s book of illustrated visual poems that portray a woman’s emotional journey from imprisonment to freedom; from self-doubt to self-acceptance. It begins with self-doubt, confusion, pain, and despair. It ends with self-acceptance, rejuvenation, and willingness to take chances, as expressed in the book’s final statement “I am free to be me.” Ultimately, this book depicts many women’s search of empowerment and the healthy boundaries of the self.

The title is a metaphor for the struggle that the self has to endure to let go of the old baggage to replace it with the renewed sense of self. A mouse signifies the self that undergoes transformation. Once the change is completed the rodent disappears, replaced by a female hand signifying the renewed self. This book honors survivors of abuse. Poems are dedicated to terrific women who shared their stories with me. Poems capture stories that convey experiences marking the steps of an emotional rite of passage. One dedicatee responded: “You really put a finger on where I am, finding my identity and all. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for seeing me.”

Artist Biography

Elka Kazmierczak has created artist’s books of visual poetry and prose for over two decades. Elka holds an MFA in Graphic Design and an MA in Art Education. For seven years, she was Head of the Illustration Program at SUNY Buffalo. In 2004, she founded the Art for Empowerment program for survivors of abuse at The Women’s Center in Carbondale, IL.

All images and text copyright the artist. All rights reserved.